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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Context

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.